The Phelps School seeks a collaborative and mission-driven Dean of Academics for the 2026–27 school year to lead and strengthen the School’s academic program. Reporting to the Head of School, the Dean of Academics provides strategic leadership for curriculum development, academic scheduling, program assessment, and faculty collaboration. The Dean plays a central role in ensuring that Phelps’ academic program continues to support boys through rigorous, individualized instruction and a highly structured learning environment.

The Dean of Academics collaborates closely with faculty to support curriculum design, maintain academic standards, and ensure strong vertical and horizontal alignment across departments. The Dean also works with students and families to guide course selection and academic planning while overseeing academic operations including scheduling, course catalog development, textbook ordering, and dual credit partnerships.

Faculty and administrators at Phelps are dynamic men and women dedicated to helping each boy become a better man—in and out of the classroom. They enjoy working with students in relatively small classes and engaging collaboratively in curriculum design and constant professional improvement. They strive to integrate technology into teaching and to help improve students’ creativity and critical thinking skills.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Student Scheduling and Academic Planning

• Circulate student surveys each spring (April–May) to gather course interest for the upcoming academic year
• Offer 15–30 minute academic planning meetings for incoming and returning families beginning in early June
• Track student interest and design the master schedule accordingly
• Assign faculty to courses as early as possible to support program planning
• Build and maintain the academic schedule within FACTS (July–August)

Curriculum Design and Development

• Work with departments to ensure vertical and horizontal curriculum alignment
• Oversee and revise the annual course catalog (May–June)
• Support faculty in curriculum development and continuous improvement
• Oversee curriculum mapping through shared academic documentation and ensure faculty participation in maintaining program maps

Textbook and Academic Materials Management

• Collect faculty textbook and supply requests during the summer
• Cross-reference requests with expected course enrollments and coordinate purchasing
• Manage ordering through various vendors including major publishers and educational platforms
• Calculate per-student academic materials costs and provide cost breakdowns to the business office
• Coordinate receipt, organization, and distribution of materials to classrooms

Dual Credit Program Oversight

• Manage relationships with partner universities including the University of Pittsburgh and Immaculata University
• Coordinate course renewals, student registration, documentation submission, and grade reporting
• Communicate dual credit opportunities to families and support students throughout the process
• Assist alumni with transcript requests and credit transfers when needed
• Track which students enroll in dual credit versus standard course enrollment

Academic Program Support

• Serve as a resource for students and parents regarding academic questions and planning
• Support the admissions process by meeting with prospective families to discuss academic opportunities
• Coordinate faculty voting for student recognitions including Lion’s Pride, Commendations, and end-of-year awards
• Supervise academic systems and processes in collaboration with faculty leadership

Teaching Responsibilities

• Deans at Phelps teach up to a half courseload depending on their background and the curricular needs of the school.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, curriculum development, or school administration
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a positive and proactive communication style
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty while supporting professional growth and accountability
• Extensive knowledge of learning differences and instructional strategies
• Flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to play an active role in the life of the community

The dean may have the opportunity to serve on the residential life staff, with campus housing provided.  Salary and residential life responsibilities are determined accordingly.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Please send letter of interest, resume, and references to employment@thephelpsschool.org.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, curriculum development, or school administration
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a positive and proactive communication style
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty while supporting professional growth and accountability
• Extensive knowledge of learning differences and instructional strategies
• Flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to play an active role in the life of the community

About The Phelps School

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